3 March 2012

One Week, One Pattern: Details!

It's a group project which will see us wearing garments we've made from one sewing pattern every day for a week, Saturday 24th to Friday 30th March 2012.

Why would you do that?

It's about celebrating those sewing patterns that we love so much we use them again and again. Many of us have a special sewing pattern that is so wearable, practical, versatile, beautiful or for whatever reason it never gets time to gather dust on the shelf before we whip it out again. Personally I'm really interested to find out what other people's favourite patterns are. Plus the exercise may get us to reflect on how much we use the patterns in our stash, or what factors make a well-used pattern.

It's also an exercise in restyling what's essentially one style garment (or it may literally only be one garment that you've made), pushing the boundaries of its versatility by creating seven outfit variations out of it. Who needs more clothes when you can remix the ones you've already got?

Early indications are that about 90 people are going to participate, which is awesome!

Sounds genius! How do I play?

1) To sign up to the project, please leave a comment below in the following format (this will help me collate the contributions into a fascinating quantitative and qualitative analysis post, possibly involving pie charts):

(eg. "It's the kind of thing I can wear to work every day, plus it's got bows on" or whatever)

2) Starting Saturday 24th March, wear things you've made from one pattern for seven consecutive days. Take a photo each day to show how you've restyled it / them (see my Beignet week from last year).

3) At the end of the week I'll ask for links to your photos if you care to share so I can create a round-up post of participants. Please keep all 7 photos on one web page. If you leave a link to your photos or blog, I'll assume this means you consent to me borrowing a photo or two for the round-up post - or if you'd rather I didn't, just say so when you leave a link. You may also want to share your reflections on the process.

Do I have to have a blog to join in?

Nope! This is a great project for non-bloggers to join in with. How about uploading your photos to a Pinterest board or a Flickr set and sharing the link?

I hate posing for photos though...

I can totally sympathise with that. You don't have to be in the photos. How about arranging the outfits on the floor, on a hanger or on a dress form?

I can't do that week. Can I play another time?

Sure! Just leave your details in the same way whenever you decide to do an OWOP! week. I'll keep track of people who play along on other dates and do an occasional round up post. In fact, you might want to do it multiple times with different patterns, whenever you feel like it.

I really want to do it, but I've only made one version of my favourite pattern...

Just think of the kudos you'd get if you only wore that one garment all week! (Just to clarify, you can wear other things with it, I'm not advocating going topless with your favourite skirt, but if it's the only skirt you wear all week that'd be pretty cool.)

Anything else I should know?

Just that it's going to be awesome. Did I mention that pie charts might be involved? And prizes, oh yes.

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Exciting!

[Soundtrack: Right, this is an issue. Every time I think of OWOP! I get 'MMMBop' by Hanson stuck in my head. This is clearly a problem. If you have a suggestion for an alternative OWOP! soundtrack, I'd be most grateful.]

138 comments:

Yay I'm in! I'm going to use the Colette Violet blouse, because separates are easiest to restyle. I have two versions already made and they go wonderfully with skirts, jeans, skinny trousers etc. I'm also going to make another version before OWOP (love that!) with special adaptations to make it really unique!Thanks Tilly :)

So exciting!Is it okay that I'm using two? My challenge is to wear a Colette Sorbetto top + Burdastyle Jenny Skirt combo each day for the week. I love these two because the simplicity of the shapes means that they are easy to wear and quick to sew and they can look completely different depending on the fabric you use.

I'm in, I'm in! Like some of the commenters above, I'm a total newbie to sewing...which means that I only have made multiples of one pattern so far! Colette Peony it is! I love the simple lines and the way it shows off accessories... plus it's modest enough for teaching elementary students! (Thank goodness I'm a supply teacher, so different people will see me every day!

I've been stewing on this idea for awhile... I need more work-appropriate blouses for spring so I'm hoping to make a few from New Look 6104. It's a simple button-down collar-less blouse with enough design variations and possibilities for modification.

I think this is a wonderful idea and I am in. I will be using the Sewaholic Pendrell top. I have two that I wear all the time and another two in progress, so this will encourage me to finish these and perhaps make a few more. I have many ideas for changing them up a bit! I work in n office so these are the idea tops to wear with suits as well as with trousers or a skirt and a little cardigan. I also want to try a casual knit one as well for the weekend!

I'm in! I'll be using Simplicity 2599. I love this pattern because the fit is comfortable and easy to wear, and it's super adaptable! Never mind the ruffles and stuff they include on it, it's a fantastic base. I haven't tried the Colette Sorbetto top, but I recreated the look using the simplicity pattern. :) This is a great challenge to get me to finally make up some of the other designs I've been considering for a while!

I'm in with Simplicity 2982! I have three in my closet and I will be a good excuse to make more and try to think of variations. I have lot's of dresses, but not really enough blouses and I'd like to look somewhat nice on top even though I wear jeans on the bottom just about every day. These will give me a t-shirt alternative in the summer.I blog at www.theprettypickle.com.

I'm in. I'm going to use the Port Elizabeth top by Sarah Magill from Burdastyle. I love it because it's simple to make and since I'm not really into wearing t shirts (weird I know) it's a great alternative because it's sort of halfway between a t shirt and a blouse.

I am so excited to participate. I am going to use a skirt pattern that I drafted myself inspired by the Beignet skirt. I love this pattern because it is so versatile and can be made from any fabric. oh and it's really easy!! I can't wait!

I already have a several Burda 02-2009108 tops which I can use if I don't get around to sewing up the skirts and the tops from the two other patterns I want to get going on. I love the Burda mag tops because they are quick to make but don't look too "T-shirt" so I can wear them to work! I am currently making the toile for New Look 6808 (first toile too small!.. so onto No2)

I'm in! Simply with the Colette Sorbetto Top as it's so versatile (and quick to whip up if I need another!) Might be joining in on a different week though as I'm starting a new job that week and don't want any 'that new girl wears the same thing EVERY day' whispering in the corridors!

Great, I marked my calendar.My wardrobe workhorse is Zoela by Farbenmix.de, a longsleeved Raglan knit T-shirt. I have made it more than a dozen times. And then worn the shirts so often, most of them are already gone again! The start date should give me enough time to make another two or three.

- What you like about the pattern to make it up lots of timesIt's easy to wear even in this climate in the summer, it's SUPER quick to put together, and easy to alter for style. That and I have about 16 shirts I made from the pattern (and derivative patterns) while I was developing it...

Hi Tilly! I'm definitely in. Though I looked into styling one handmade garment seven different ways for the week, I didn't have anything basic that fit just right. Instead, I'm planning on using one pattern I've made up several times.

Hi again, Tilly. A lot of work stuff has come up next week, so I don't think I'll be able to make the OWOP anymore, unless I were to cheat and wear my Renfrews as pajamas! Right now I need all of my creativity at work. I am looking forward to seeing what everyone else does.

Hello Tilly ! I'd loved be in but for the 24th of March, it's going to be too short for me ! I'm definitely too busy. But sure, I'll do it next time (I'm already starting to think of a project). Thank you for this very nice idea.

Ooh, I'm in :) But I'm not sure if that week will work for me or not. I'll keep you updated. I *think* I'm going to use the Sorbetto from Colette, but I may change my mind. Wow, I'm decisive aren't I?! :) My blog : www.sewseam-riprepeat.blogspot.com

I'm in! Thanks for organising this. I am going to be brave and try to do TWO patterns:

- Colettte Sorbetto top, because I've already made 3 (1 as a top, 2 extended into nightgowns), it's a easy make and so versatile to wear. Plus, I desperately need spring tops, so this should inspire me to make at least one more Sorbetto, maybe with sleeves.

- McCall's 3830, a pencil skirt. I already one in denim and wear it ALL the time. It's very simple to sew and flattering to wear. I have had another in a light b&w tweed cut out for ages but languishing as a WIP. This will be the motivation to finish it.

Colette sorbetto top for me. Mainly because i have made two already and think i can make another before the 24th and maybe another during that week? I love that is a simple shape and there is so much inspiration in the world of Blog to make it different every time (Oh, and it's free!!)

I have a basic dress pattern that I love, I've only made two so far...maybe I could make one more with stash materials, maybe. If I get cracking immediately it might happen, but if not I want to participate for two days at least, is that allowed?

I will be wearing Burda pattern 8611, which is a skirt. Its one of the first patterns I ever made, it is a nice simple skirt pattern that is easy to adapt and it fits well. Which is why I've gone back to it again and again.

I'm going to be wearing Colette Sorbetto Top. I love it because it is simple to make, it is classic and can be adorned in many different ways to make each one different! I've been meaning to make more so now is the perfect time!

I'll be wearing Colette Violet blouses all week. I already have two but think my wardrobe could definitely do with another. I love that it looks great with almost anything and that it's so quick and easy to sew up.

Sounds fun! I think I'll do Simplicity 4079 vest. I've made it twice, once as a fancy vest (matching my two boys) and once out of a worn out pair of pants of my husband. I like that it is quick and easy, flattering, takes very little fabric ... and I want to remix it because I really liked the idea of menswear inspired looks but haven't actually managed to DO it very often.

I'm going to use my self-drafted Primrose Cowl Top because I have quite a formal week in work that week and it will work well with pencil skirts and suits. Plus I've got a dressy one that will be nice to wear out for my Fiancé’s birthday that Saturday!

I am having a hard time deciding on one pattern as I am a frequent repeat pattern sewing offender but think I am going for the Simplicity/Built by Wendy 3835 top, . Reason for multiple makes of this? It is super quick and easy to sew for when you want a no-brainer easy to wear casual top and you want it fast!There is also a lovely dress version. Downside? A little tent like on me these days! So I guess I will have to think how I wear them.

Totes count me in!!!! I must admit, I'm thoroughly freaked out by the idea of wearing skirts for an entire week, but the perverse side of me is often drawn to stuff that doesn't appeal or is going to be tricky. So here goes:

I, Zoe of 'So, Zo...' will wear Simplicity 2451 skirts all week.

I'm very excited about the potential pie charts, BTW!!!!

Well done for coming up with such a fun and original challenge, Tilly!

I'm in too! I'll wear my favorite shirt pattern BWOF 1/2008, #108. I've made it at least dozen of times. I redrafted and altered it each time to get a different look, but it's still a single pattern I've been using. I might combine it with Bella pants from Burda Style, which I also made several times.My blog is Stepalica

I'm in. I'll be using a self drafted full skirt pattern as it is so comfortable to wear and I love the way the fabric flows when I walk. I have two made up (but one needs to be seriously taken in as I've lost weight) plus a dress version. Although I think I'll need to wear thermals underneath for watching my son's ice skating sessions.

What a fun idea! Please count me in! Right now, I'm leaning towards either Burda 8511 or Burda 8071 since I have zillions of variations of both of these dresses, but... Can I decide closer to the time?Thanks for organising this fab community project!

OK, I've decided to use Burda 7723 for my "one" pattern. I've currently got 6 garments from this pattern in my wardrobe, five pairs of shorts and one jacket, the jacket will do for days I need to be a bit more "dressed"(sorry for replying to my own comment :)

I'm in! It took me a couple of days to choose a (one) pattern (of three). The weather forecast this morning finally made me settle for Langeneß of Schnittreif. (www.schnittreif.de)

I've got a denim one left out of four or five I've made so far, a new denim one is waiting to be made and I want to add a non-denim from stash. I love this pattern because it's a no-brainer, quite flattering, quick to cut and sew, I don't need to alter anything and it's perfect for biking. Since I prefer skirts anyway, it' my perfect early-spring-OWOP!

Exciting! I'm going to combine the Sewaholic Renfrew top and Colette Ginger skirt. I haven't actually made either of them yet, but I've heard so many good things.

I'm in the middle of losing weight, and I love that the Renfrew is an easy knit top that will be somewhat forgiving as my shape changes. And as for the Ginger, A-line skirts have always been my fave ... especially with a chevron effect!

Hi Tilly!I love this idea! Count me in!I´ve two patterns, that I sew more than a version, the Sorbetto Tank and one skirt from Burda. But, I want sewing something different, so I´ll chose the Minna blouse from Salme Sewing Patterns. During some months, I´ve thought about trying it. It´s a good ocasion to sew many diferent version of this pretty blouse. I think, that you can make elegant versions or funny versions from this pattern. It´s going to be a great challenge for me!Thanks!!!Maider

Hi Tilly,I am sorry for taking my time! I have been dithering about what to choose, but think it shall be the Colette Violet blouse as I have made two & have one cut out (& am addicted to them at the moment)

Woop woop owop! I'm in with Simplicity 2588 - it's such a versatile pattern, you can mix and match all over the place! I think I may even have enough makes from it to wear something totally different each day...

Hi ! I'll be happy to participate, using the a-line skirt from the Barcelona skirts pattern, Amy Butler.I particularly like its simple shape and the fact it is fully lined.I made 5 of them and will be pleased to show them off at the end of the month !

Interesting challenge!! I accept!! My pattern is the McCall's 5845, it is a dress... I have used this pattern 6 times, about to make another one tonight, however 2 of the dresses I made is for my sister, so I am only left with 5. I can't wear them to work so I'm going to have to plan a night out, every night! yayers!

I want to give it a go! =) I'll have to link to my Pinterest, though. I'll be using the Simplicity 2587 dress pattern, it's a Cynthia Rowley design. I love it because it's terribly comfortable and makes me look great.

I'm in! Burda 8677 Skirt - I fear I've got about 11 incarnations in it so glad it's spring as they're all very bright and breezy!! It's got a fabulous amount of twirl and yet you can usually squeeze it out of a 1.5m of fabric - my favourite version is from a William Morris tablecloth I found for £1 in Past Caring in Islington!

Why? I just adore this pattern. I've made it up twice already and both skirts are constantly on high rotation in my wardrobe. It's fun to wear (coz it's full and swishy!), good length for all seasons, and it has a pocket that's actually a useful size and placement. :-)

Hello, diving in a little late. I'm hoping to do this and use Simplicity 2176 dress pattern. I've already got one in this pattern, it's easy to use, there's room for flexibility as well. Sooo I'm challenging myself to make another couple up before then and do this. Will see how I get on! Elaine.

Ooh, I was thinking I'd need a week's worth of the same pattern to participate in this, but now I see what you mean about restyling the same garments. Hmmm...in that case maybe I could be in. Will ponder it!

I found out about your OWOP from Sewaholic. I'd love to play along this summer, if you do it again. I've been mostly reconstructing and refashioning clothes on my blog www.chicenvelopements.wordpress.com but I want to start doing more pattern sewing (I'm a teacher and I hope to have lots of time to sew once school is out) PS. I'm your newest follower

Hi, I'd love to join in if its not too late. I'm new to making clothes so its Colette's Sorbetto for me. I love the flexibility of this pattern - with sleeves or without, bias or facing, long or short, to pleat or not to pleat! And so little fabric, I even managed to squeeze 1 out of a yard of narrow (60s?) fabric - result! Really excited about taking part in a sewing event - thank you.Jacq x

Oh, and I'm going to draft a trouser-pattern loosely based on a pair of plus-four I recently made. I really like dressy over-knee cropped trousers and the contrast against stockings etc that they offer.

I'm in - now to decide - I've got self drafted pants which I totally love, but then I've got Jalie's sweetheart neckline T-shirt and a Palmer/Pletsch blouse. I would love to make one more pair of pants (or blouse) before March 24th, time is ticking away and I'm fast running out of it (though maybe I need to turn all the household "stuff" over to my husband so I can concentrate on sewing?!

Given that I am a stay at home Mum, it needs to be something quite casual but tidy enough for a school pickup or appointment. One pattern stands out for me and my blog readers will not be surprised to learn that it is tops from New Look 6648.

I'll be doing self-drafted, A-line-like skirts! Well, the story is a big longer - I can't seem to actually follow instructions for skirt patterns, and my me-made skirts all end up looking very A-line-ish to me. It's not necessarily a bad thing I suppose. I work from a heavily modified Meringue skirt pattern, but it could be any A-line pattern really.

I can't wait to start. I was planning on making up lots of Grainline Scout blouse for spring and summer and this will just give me a leg up. I love this blouse because it is so easy to toss on and still look semi-dressy. An added plus it wears great while still packing around babies.

- Why this pattern?1. It has sentimental value. When I first started sewing, my grandma told me the dimensions for a full circle skirt. I then took this formula and made other types of circle skirts (e.g. 1/2, 1/4, 3/4) 2. I have not made one for a while and I need to revisit it! Plus I want to make sure that I pull out some of my older creations. 3. I am not much of a 'styler' so this may challenge me to think about how to accessorise a circle skirt!

I'll be wearing Sewaholic's Renfrew for a week. I like this pattern because it's made from stretchy jersey (so I'll be comfy all week) and it lends itself well to layering, which is one of my favourite ways to wear outfits!

Very excited, my first proper participation in a me-made event. At the end of March I will be mostly wearing:Anne Klein II - Vogue American Designers - 1739 (dated 1996) - the dress.What I like:* I've 'solved' the majority of the fitting issues* It doesn't need much fabric (my most recent make has been economically eased out of 1m of forgiving lawn)* The finished product skims over the worst of me wobbly bits.

I had been on the fence... I do have patterns I've made up 2 or 3 times (actually I did make 4 Sorbetto's but it's a little too chilly here for that), but nothing that screamed out at me - until last night. I will be wearing Dixie DIY's Swing Top, of which I've made about 5 I think! I might quickly whip up another this week too!

I could have SWORN I signed up for this but then I didn't see a post from myself, so here we go!

Colette Patterns Clover Pants will be my pattern. I love it because I love the fit and they are so cute and go with everything, plus they are perfect for biking! The slim leg doesn't get caught in the chain, and they are flattering to my particular form.

I finished my fourth pair last night, but you will only see three worn this coming week because one is a wool pair and too warm for late March in Philadelphia (unless the temperature drops, and then it's on!). So I'm all ready to go!

I'm going to try to join in - thinking of using my Vogue 1174 (Cynthia Steffe) skirt! It sort of depends on whether I can get any sewing done in the next few days for work-appropriate clothes...

I like this pattern because it's quick to make, I think the pleats look good, it has pockets (which could be omitted), and it can be made in a variety of fabrics. I currently have an aqua blue linen one and a striped black and white one, and also want to whip up a burgandy silk and a patterned satin version for work.

I love this pattern because the dress is fun to sew (once you get all those pieces cut out!) is a flattering fit, looks completely different depending on what fabrics and patterns you use and can be dressed up and down.

I wasn't going to join in this week but then I remembered that my sister made 2 versions of the Ottobre Design 2/2009 - 6 nursing top - one is actually a dress. I really wanted to make another pattern to wear this week but that is not going to happen now - maybe some other time. But I will enter with this nursing top and dress. I love it because it is easy to use for nursing (important with a 3 month old) but I can still look chic. I will do it from today (monday) till Sunday and then post the pictures on my blog - which you are of course allowed to use. I will post some pictures as the week goes so that you can use some on saturday if you want to do the round-up then.

I am signing up - I have been wearing my Lisette Portfolio dress and tunic all week (actually just realised I messed up on Monday, so will have done 6 out of 7 days - hope that still counts). I like them because they are very easy to wear and best of all, they have great pockets for the endless quantity of tissues I seem to carry everywhere. I am planning to do a post over the weekend with all my photos in.